Outboard Systems and the Crew It Built
From left to right: James, Andy, Chip, Spencer, Jonathan, Jimmy, and Doug in CFCC’s Outboard Systems lab
Over three courses, Intro to Outboard Systems, Midrange Marine Maintenance, and Inline Marine Maintenance, they’ve learned the same systems, worked through the same problems, and slowly settled into a rhythm that now feels familiar. Turning wrenches, troubleshooting engines, and figuring things out together has become the routine.
Now they’re preparing to take the newest course in the sequence, V Engines Marine Maintenance.
But ask any of them what has kept them coming back, and it is not just the curriculum. It is the people.
Meet the Students
James found the program while working at the State Ports. He was looking for something that connected to what he already owned and enjoyed.
“I own a Yamaha, so I thought it would be really interesting,” he said. “Once we got into the first class, it just clicked.”
For Chip, who has spent more than 20 years in landscaping, it was about curiosity and timing.
“It allows me to work since the course is offered in the evening and do something different,” he said. “I’m trying to figure out what I want to do next.”
For Andy, a retired service member, the decision was about transition.
“I’m trying to figure out what I want to do in my next life,” he said. “I like being around tools, being around people working with their hands.”
Doug brings two decades of experience in financial services and a long-standing love of being on the water.
“I’ve always enjoyed sailing and boating,” he said. “I wanted to get into the mechanical side of it. And owning a Yamaha helped push me here.”
Jimmy has spent most of his life as a carpenter and now works at a marina. He also lives on a boat. Jonathan has worked in NASCAR and boat detailing and is currently at a marina. For both of them, the program felt less like a career change and more like sharpening skills they already use every day.
“I just like being around boats,” Jimmy said. “There’s so much work out there, and you can go anywhere with this skill.”
Jonathan added, “I’ve always wanted to own a business. This program feels like the best opportunity to build toward that.”
Turning Wrenches Together and Learning from the Industry
Instructor Spencer Nickel and the program’s structure have shaped the experience. Students point to industry connections, guest speakers, and consistent hands-on training as a direct link to what they will see in the field.
“Spencer brings people in from the industry and shows us what this life actually looks like,” Chip said. “That’s been huge for me.”
“It’s been hands-on the whole time,” James said.
Doug echoed that sentiment.
“We always joke about watching YouTube,” he said. “But here, you’re actually turning wrenches. That’s what keeps you coming back.”
The quality of the instruction and hands-on experience is also what keeps many of the students coming back, even when it means a long commute. Andy drives in from Belhaven, Doug travels from Oak Island, and Jonathan makes the trip from Myrtle Beach for class.
But beyond technical training, what none of them anticipated was how quickly a group of strangers would turn into something closer to a crew that looks out for each other.
“Jimmy and Jonathan already work in the field, so they help us,” James explained. “Andy has mechanical experience from the military. We all kind of fill in the gaps for each other.”
Andy said that sense of familiarity was something he had been missing since retiring.
“When I retired, I missed the camaraderie,” he said. “Walking into a shop and having that again, even in a classroom, makes a difference.”
Jimmy compared the group to a crew working in sync.
“We’re all really here for one reason. To get through the classes and learn as much as we can. And when you’ve got a team together, you start to know what the other guy is going to do before he does it.”
Friendship Built in the Shop
What started as classmates has turned into friendships outside of the shop.
“I figured we’d meet people and get along,” James said. “I didn’t think we’d be hanging out outside of class. Oyster roasts, fishing trips. It’s become more than I expected.”
Chip laughed, thinking ahead.
“One day we’re going to show up on Jimmy’s boat, all of us,” he said. “Eat oysters, jump in the water. That’s just how it’s going to be.”
Behind the humor, there’s also a growing sense of direction. Some see marine careers ahead. Others are thinking about business ownership. Others just want the confidence to work on their own equipment.
“I feel like I can actually work on my own boat now,” James said. “I wouldn’t have done that before this.”
As they move into the next course and closer to completion of the program, their goals may continue to shift. But the group they built along the way is already something they plan to keep.
“We came here to learn engines,” said Jimmy. “We’re leaving with a whole crew.”
Learn more about CFCC’s Outboard Systems program.
